Dance dress! Dance!

Something has happened over the last few months. Where I used to look at a dress and think: Oooh pretty! And occasionally follow up with some sensible questions like: Will it feel nice to wear? Will it wash/ iron? And do I have the undergarments/accesories necessary to pull it off?

I now think: Will it dance?

I have recently joined the Harbour City Hoppers - a swing dance troupe - and find myself dancing more  and more. This means needing to be suitably attired for dancing, and thinking much more about how clothes move. Ladies, big circle skirts are such fun to spin in - but require bloomers or petticoats (particularly when dancing in public!!) Big skirts are also heavy! And hide the fancy shapes those legs make! The synthetic fabric that requires so little care, sweats like hell on the dance floor! The discoveries go on and on...

This has lead me to sew more, and think about making garments that allow movement, while still creating the silhouette I love. Would you guys be interested in reading more about my sewing adventures?

The photos are some snaps from last year (from here and here!) at the Melbourne Lindy Exchange.

Velvet Valentines with Old Hat

This week I had the very great pleasure of attending my first Old Hat event; a Vintage Velvet Valentine. It was such fun to meet such lovely folk, all sweating it out in their velvet best. It was a lovely night, even if Sydney weather didn't quite provide for velvet-lovers in February.

And for those playing at home - go wild: Emma, Jesse and Tim, Renata, Regan

Something blue

Yesterday Mr. O and I celebrated our engagement with small afternoon tea. We had some very talented friends take photos, so I will be posting shots soon. Right now I wanted to show you what I wore. A sweet little '50s dress with the BEST pockets! I just love it. We snapped these shots after everyone had left - too tired to realise they had come out a bit blurry - but you get the gist! 

 And the man behind the camera ... being very very serious.

Summer drive

These are a few shots from the driving trip I took with Mr.O late last year. We explored some really pretty parts of the state and had long wandering conversations as we drove. Now we are both back at work - this seems a world away! 

 Ian with his favourite element at Questacon

 The lizard we encountered before the terrifying snake. I was too busy fleeing to catch a shot of the snake!

 Natural hot springs

 Yarangobilly caves and the Glory hole - such a stunning sight!

We're Engaged!

A week ago I walked into the most wonderful surprise. I get butterflies in my stomach every time I think about it! Ian had colluded with a friend to set up the apartment while I was out, and brought me home to this most magical setting. I am still totally overwhelmed - what an incredible gesture!

(photos above by Alli Sebastian Wolf)

  Ever wondered what an apartment-worth of half-burned tea lights looks like?